Monday, August 17, 2009
Category:
Secured Loans
Recent analysis from moneysupermarket.com has revealed that homes in Nottingham and London are most at risk from theft and burglary.
2.6 million home insurance enquiries were analysed and these found that London had 5 of the top 20 postcode areas which were most at risk of burglary or theft. Clapham and Hornsey in London are the most at risk postcodes in the UK capital whilst West Bridgford takes the overall top spot.
Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "Along with many other UK cities London and Nottingham are classed as high risk areas for crime and it is no surprise to see these areas dominating the top 20. The research highlights a broad mix of areas across the North and South of the UK so it is clear that no matter where you live, there is always a risk you could become a victim of theft or burglary, and this should not be taken with light consideration.
"Properties classified as being in a ‘high-risk' area - whether that be for crime, or something like flooding or subsidence, could mean the price of your insurance premiums will be affected. Unfortunately there is no escaping this and to make matters more complicated, there are no hard and fast rules which apply. Most insurers have a blanket approach when it comes to assessing postcode districts for home insurance and this really needs to change. If houses are evaluated on a case by case basis it would mean homeowners received quotes at the best possible prices for their individual circumstances.
"With the UK in the midst of recession, and recent ABI statistics reporting that in the first quarter of 2009, the cost of burglary insurance claims topped £100 million, making it the most expensive quarter for five years**, homeowners need to be extra vigilant when it comes to security for their homes. You never know when an opportunistic thief may strike, and I would advise ensuring your home contents insurance is fully up to date, and is at a high enough level to cover all belongings sufficiently."
…………………………………………………………………………………………..............
Homeowners who are thinking of making home improvements in order to increase security of and around their property, and who are looking for the finance to do so, could consider funding improvements with a secured loan. One of many options to fund
home improvements, a secured loan could be used to secure perimeter fences and walls, as well as installing closed circuit television around a property. Homeowners might also consider installing an intruder alarm as a further preventative. In order to limit the likelihood of burglars getting into a property, homeowners could consider using a secured loan in order to replace older, easy to break windows with new UPVC replacements.
